Tape dispenser



Feb. 24, 1942. E w. H. HAWKINS 2,274,623

TAPE DISPENSER f Enea Aug. e, 1941 2 sheets-sheet 1 ATTORNEY Feb. 24, 1942. w. H. HAWKINS TAPE DIS PENS ER Filed Aug. 6, 1941 2 Sheets-Slfleecl 2 ATTORNEY Patented Feb'. 24, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l t 2,274,6z3-

William ,HaviP,DSItsal::fl:nConn asslgnor' Inc., New York,

N. Y., a corporation of New York Application August 6, i941, serial No. 405,609

23 Claims-a This invention relates to a tape dispenser, and more particularly to a dispenser for pressure adhesive tape of the type known in the art` as "Scotch tape.

As a feature of my invention, I am able to dispense short sections of pressure adhesive tape through the simple movement of a feed member, which in the preferred form of my invention isa rotatably mounted feed wheel. More particularly, the rotation of my feed wheel takes place simultaneously with the rotation of a cutter wheel which preferably cooperates with the feed wheel to sever the pressure adhesive tape which has been previously applied to the feed wheel.

Even more particularly, rotation of the cutter wheel is imparted thereto through manual rotation of the feed wheel, the cutters on the cutter wheel being mounted for movement, preferably, against predetermined portions of the feed wheel for severing the pressure adhesive tape applied to the feed Wheel.

As still a further feature of my invention, 'the feed wheel is constructed so that spaced p'ortions thereof are movable into engagement with a length of pressure adhesive tape, with parts of the pressure adhesive tape adhering to the said portions of the feed wheel until removed therefrom manually, the cutter of the cutterA wheel engaging those portions of the pressure adhesive tape which adhere to the feed wheel, for severing those portions. Even more particularly, the

spaced portions of my feed member or wheel are slotted for cooperation with the cutter to contribute an effective cutting action.

In one form of my invention, the cutter wheel and feed wheel are in conventional geared relation so that a predetermined rotation of the feed Wheel results in a predetermined rotation of the cutter kwheel to bring the cutters thereof against the tape. In another form of my inventionthe geared relation is more simple, with parts of the feed wheel engaging parts of the cutter wheel for moving the cutter wheel and its cutters into cutting position, further rotation of the feed wheel releasing the cutter wheel for movement into a predetermined initial position, from which position it is movable by further portions of the feed wheel to sever successive portions of the length of adhesive tape.

As a further feature of the invention, I utilize a tape releasing member or ejector for releasing portions of the pressure adhesive tape sections from the feed wheel, whereby they may be readily grasped by an operator for removal from thefeed section taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1.

tion the ejectors are adapted to kink portions of the tape to facilitate grasping of the tape sections by the hand of the operator, and preferably, without the operators fingers touching the adhesive side of the tape. Moreover, a further feature of importance is the folding over of the kinked portions leaving a non-adhering end on each tape section. 'Ihls non-adhering end facilitates the application of the tape sections to packages, and the ready removal of the tape sections when the packages are to be opened.

I have thus described generally my invention in order that the nature of my contribution to the art may be better understood. Naturally, those skilled in the art will appreciate the broad nature of my conception, and will be able quite readily, to incorporate my contribution to the art in physical forms other than those herein shown and described. It isimportant, therefore, that the claims to be granted me shall be sulciently broad to prevent the use of the invention in such other forms.

Referring now to the'drawings, Fig. l is an elevation and partial section of a tape dispenser incorporatingmy invention. Fig. 2 is a view looking downwardly on Fig. 1 while Fig. 3 is a. Fig. 4 is a View similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a form of my invention in which an ejector is utilized, portions of the cutter wheel and storage wheel on which my pressure adhesive tape is mounted being eliminated since they are the same as those of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a section taken along lines 5 5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an elevation illustrating a modified form of geared relation between the feed wheel and the cutter wheel. Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing the parts in two additional positions.` Fig. 8 is a view looking downwardly on Fig. 6.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings and especially Figs. 1, 2 and 3, reference numeral I0 indicates a frame casting on which are supported for rotation on suitable bearings, the feed wheel II, the cutter wheel I2 and the storage wheel I3. As is quite evident, pressure adhesive tape is fed from the reel I4 mounted on the storage wheel I3, around the idler pulley I5 Y also mounted on the frame casting I0. The preswheel. As still a further feature of the invensure adhesive tape is designated by the letter T and is of such nature that when the end surfaces I6 of the several arms I'I of the feed wheel II contact it as shown in Fig. 1, the tape will adhere to the several end surfaces I6 so that rotation of the feed wheel will actually unwind the tape from the reel I I and draw it about the pulley I5 all as will be quite obvious to those skilled in the art.

A gear I8 is suitably secured as shown, for r0- tation with the feed wheel II as the said feed wheel is rotated manually. 'I'he gear I8 is in suitable geared relation to a smaller gear I9 secured as illustrated, for rotation together with the cutter wheel I2. A pair of cutter blades 20 are mounted in the cutter wheel I2 and are held in place by suitable screw studs 2|. The geared relationship between gears I8 and I9 is such that manual rotation of the feed wheel II will cause rotation of the cutter wheel I2 to bring the cutter blades 2B into successive engagement with i slots 22 formed in the end surfaces I6 of the several arms I1 of the feed wheel.

It is quite obvious that as the cutter blades 20 enter the slots 22, they act to sever the adhesive tape adhering to the end surfaces I6, thereby` forming a series of short sections of pressure adhesive tape each of which adheres to at least one of the arms I1. It is well to emphasize that the end surfaces I6 are of such Width that the adhesive tape will adhere thereto sufficiently to present relatively non-yielding tape sections to the cutter blades 20 as they move into the slots 22. Itis obvious that the cutter blades 20 may otherwise engage and sever the length of tape T so as to form sections that will adhere to but one of the arms I1, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. I do prefer, however, the form of invention herein shown.

It is now quite apparent that simple manual rotation of the feed wheel` II results in the feeding and severing of the adhesive tape T so as to leave a series of short sections readily available for manual removal, as is the particular section T1 of Fig. 1.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 6, 7 and 8 I show a modied form of the invention of Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Thus, the cutter wheel of Figs. 6,v 7, and 8, which is designated by reference numeral 25, carries a screw vstud 26 to which is secured at one end a spring 21, the other end of the spring 21 being secured to a stud 28 on the frame casting I6. The cutter wheel 25 carries but a single cutter blade 29 secured thereto by screw stud 30 and adapted to cooperate with the feed Wheelv in the same manner as the cutter blades 20 of the modification of Fig. 1. Thus, as seen in Fig. 6 the cutter blade 29 is in the slot 22 formed in the end surface I6 of the arm I1a of the feed wheel Ila, just as in .the modification of Fig. 1. For convenience, the feed wheel and its parts have been given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1, with the addition of the letter a.

Instead of utilizing a conventional geared relationship between the cutter wheel 25 and the feed wheel IIa as in Fig. 1, the feed wheel in Fig. 6 has rotating therewith a series of lugs 3| extending in alignment with the several arms I 1a, there being one lug for each arm I1a. The several lugs 3I are adapted for successive coaction with a cam surface 32 formed as a part of the cutter wheel 25 as illustrated in Fig. 6, it being the function of the lugs 3| to contact the cam 32 to rotate the cutter Wheel 25 so as to carry the cutter blade 29 into the several slots 22.

In the full line position of Fig. 7 the cutter wheel is shown in its initial non-operating position with a stop arm 33 formed thereon bearing against a pin 34 on the frame casting I0. A lug 3| on one of the arms I 1a of the feed wheel is shown contacting the cam surface 32 of the cutter wheel.

Further counterclockwise rotation of the parts from the position of Fig. 7 to the position of Fig. 6 will of course force the blade 29 into the slot 22 to sever the tape T adhering to the end surface I6 of the particular arm I1a. Continued movement of the feed wheel II a from the position of Fig. 6 to the dotted line portion of Fig. 7 will move the cutter blade out of the slot 22 and carry the lug 3| beyond the cam surface 32. This will release the cutter wheel for movement by the spring 21 back to its full line position of Fig. 7, in which position it remains until contacted by the next lug 3| all of which is now quite apparent. Those skilled in the art will now appreciate the operation of this modification of my invention and the modified forms in which it may be embodied.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the feed wheel therein shown is substantially thev same as that of Fig. 1 and is therefore designated reference numeral IIb. Similarly, it has the same geared connection with a cutter wheel I2b as does the feed wheel of the modification of Fig. 1. Each of the arms I1b of the feed wheel IIb is bored for a pivot shaft 35 on which is pivoted what I term an ejector 36. Each ejector has an ejecting portion 31 and a transverse flange 38 through which passes a headed pin 39 with the end of' the pin being threaded at 4l) into the feed wheel I Ib, and thus secured to the feed wheel. A spring 4I is mounted about each pin 39 and presses against the flange 38 tending to move each of the ejectors 35 to the extreme position of the ejector designated by reference letter e in Fig. 4, in which the portion 31 of the ejector 36 is shown pressing one end of a section of the severed tape T into a notch 43 of the cutter wheel I2b.

A cam 42 is secured to the frame member I0 and cooperates with a portion of each of the ejectors 36 as best illustrated in Fig. 5, for maintaining the ejectors in a depressed position with no portion thereof extending beyond the end surfaces I6 of the arms I1b of the feed wheel IIb during ythat portion of the travel of the feed wheel IIb through which the cam 42 extends. It is seen of course, that the cam terminates at 42a or just below the position where the tape sections are removed-manually from the feed Wheel.

It is apparent from Fig. 4, that as the tape T is applied to the end surfaces I6 of the arms I1b of the feed wheel at a, the tape depresses the ejectors 36 against the force of the springs 4I. In position b, the ejector 36 is shown fully depressed. In position e previously described, the tape has been severed by the cutter blade 20, permitting the ejector 36 to force the end of the particular severed tape section into the notch 43 of the cutter wheel. This kinks the end of each severed tape section as shown at 44, while ejecting the end of each tape section, leaving it in the position shown at d for ready manual'removal. This may be done without the fingers of the operator touching the adhesive side of the tape, since the tape end is readily foldable when grasped manually.

It should be noted that preferably, the ejected and kinked end of each tape section originally adhered to but a small portion of the particular lend surface IS of the arm I1b to which it was applied by rotation of th'e feed wheel, thus facilitating the action of the ejectors. It should be further noted as hereinbefoie set forth, that the knked end of each tape section is readily folded over when grasped, so as to form a non-adhering end portion. This facilitates the application and removal of the tape sections relatively topackages.

I now claim:

1. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of spaced tape feed surofA pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous faces to which is applied a length of pressure adhesive tape and with said tape adhering to said surfaces, a cutter for cutting said tape into short sections with each section adhering to at least one of said feed surfaces for ready removal therefrom, and means whereby rotation of said feed wheel moves said cutter to cut said tape.

2.' In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to which is applied a length of pressure adhesive tape and with said tape adhering to said surfaces, a cutter for cutting said tape into short sections with each` section adhering to at least onevof said feed surfaces for ready removal therefrom, means whereby rotation of said feed wheel moves said cutter tocut said tape, said means being constructed to move said cutter to cut said tape after rotation of said feed wheel a distance predetermined in accordance with the length of the tape sections required and the number of feed surfaces to which said tape section adheres.

3. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel havingA a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces to which -is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to rotation of said feed wheel, a cutter for cutting -said tape into short sections with each section adhering to atleast one of said feed surfaces, and means of connection between said feed wheel and said cutter whereby said cutter cuts the tape adhering to said surfaces into successive short sections as said feed wheel is rotated, said short sections when cut being adapted to adhere to at least one of said feed surfaces for ready removal therefrom.

4. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to rotation of said feed wheel, a cutter for cutting said tape into short sections, means of connection between said cutter and said feed wheel for moving said cutter successively against the tape sections secured to said feed surfaces as said feed wheel is rotated, .whereby to cut said length of tape into sections and 4with each of said tape sections secured to at least one of said feed surfaces for ready removal theresuccessively against said feed surfaces as saidl feed member is moved, whereby to cut said length of tape into sections and with each of said tape sections secured to at least one of said feed surfaces for ready removal therefrom.

6. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length length of tape incidental to rotation of said feed wheel, a cutter for cutting said tape into short sections, means of connection between said cutter and said feed wheel for moving said cutter successively against each of said feed surfaces as said feed wheel is rotated, each of said feed surfaces having a depression for the entry of a portion of said cutter for cutting the tape applied to said feed surfaces, whereby said cutter forms said tape into a series of short sections each secured to atleast one of said feed surfaces for ready removal.

7. In a dispenser of the class described, a movable feed member having a series of spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous lengthof pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to movement of said feed member, a cutter wheel having at least one cuter blade, means whereby said cutter wheel is rotated as said feed member is moved 'to feed said tape, the rotation of said cutter wheel Aeffecting the movement of .said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a portion for successive cutting coaction with said cutter blade, whereby, said blade cuts said tape into a series of shortsections, and means for automatically moving one end of each of said tape sections away from one of said feed surfaces after the cutting operation whereby to leave each of said tape sections secured to but one of said feed surfaces for ready removal therefrom. Y

8. In a dispenser `of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidentalto rotation of said feed wheel, a cutter wheel having at least one cutter blade, a geared connection between said cutter'wheel and said feed wheel whereby rotation of said feed wheel rotates said cutter wheel, the rotation of I said cutter wheel eecting the movement of said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a depression near one end of said surface for successive coaction with said cutter blade whereby said blade cuts said tape into a series of short sections each of which is secured by but a short portion to one of said surfaces, and means for automatically moving said short portion of each of said tape sections away from one of said feed surfaces after the cutting operation whereby to leave each of said tape sections secured to but one of said .feed surfaces for ready removal therefrom.

9. In a dispenser of the class described, a movable feed member having a series of spaced feed surfaces'to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to movement of said feed member, a cutter wheel having at least one cutter blade, means whereby said cutter wheel is rotated as said feed member is moved to feed said tape, the rotation of said cutter wheel effecting the movement of said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a portion for successive cutting coaction with said cutter blade, whereby said blade cuts said tape into a series'of short sections, and means for automatically kinking ay portion of each of said tape sections whereby to facilitate its manual removal from said feed surfaces.

10. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed 'wheel having a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to rotation of said feed wheel, a cutter wheel having at least one cutter bladea geared connection between said cutter wheel and said feed wheel whereby rotation .of said feed Wheel rotates said cutter wheel, the rotation of said cutter wheel effecting the movement of said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a portion for successive cutting coaction with said cutter blade, whereby said blade cuts said tape into a series of short sections, and means for automatically moving one end of each of said tape sections away from one of said feed surfaces and for kinking said end, whereby to facilitate its removal from the feed surface to which it remains applied.

11. In a dispenser of the class described, a Y

movable feed member having a series of spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to movement of said feed member, a cutter wheel having at least one cutter blade, means whereby said cutter wheel is rotated as said. feed member is moved to feed said tape, the rotation of said cutter wheel effecting the movement of said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a portion for successive cutting coaction with said Cutter blade, whereby said blade cuts said tape into a series of short sections, a spring pressed ejector secured in juxtaposed relation to each of said feed surfaces and held by contact with said length of tape against movement of ejection, the severing of the tape at each of said surfaces successively releasing said ejectors for spring pressed movement to move the ends of the several tape sections away from said feed surfaces.

12. In a, dispenser of the class described, a movable feed member having a series of spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continucus length of tape incidental to movement of said feed member, a cutter wheel having at least one. cutter blade and a kinking surface, means whereby said cutter wheel is rotated as said feed member is moved to feed said tape, the rotation of said cutter wheel effecting the movement of said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a portion for successive cut ting coaction with said cutter blade, whereby said blade cuts said tape into a series of short sections, a spring pressed ejector secured in juxtaposed relaton to each of said feed surfaces and held by contact with said length of tape against movement of ejection, the severing of the tape at each of said surfaces successively releasing said ejectors for spring pressed movement to first kink one end of each tape section by forcing the said end against said kinking surface formed on said cutter wheel, the further rotation of said feed wheel to carry said feed surfaces successively away from said cutter Wheel, releasing said ejectors for further movement to further separate said kinked ends from said feed surfaces.

13. In a dispenser of the class described, a

till

feed wheel having a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces, to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to rotation of said feed wheel, a cutter wheel having a cutter blade, a spring maintaining said cutter wheel in a predetermined position with its blade out of the path of said feed surfaces, a series of cutter wheel actuators on said feed wheel, there being one of said actuators foreach feed surface, each of said actuators effecting the movement of said cutter` wheel whereby to bring the cutting blade against each of said feed surfaces whereby to sever the tape adhering to said feed surfaces, the continued rotation of said feed wheel releasing the said cutter wheel after each seyering operation for return to said predetermined position.

14. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of angularly spaced feed surfaces, a storage wheel on which is mounted a reel of pressure adhesive tape, the rotation of said feed wheel effecting the successive application and adherence of said tape to said spaced feed surfaces, a cutter wheel having a series of cutter blades extending therefrom, a geared connection between said cutter wheel and said feed wheel whereby rotation of said feed wheel rotates said cutter wheel in such ratio that one of said blades willv enter a depression in each of said feed surfaces, whereby to sever the tape adhering to said surfaces to form a series of readily removable tape sections.

l5. In a dispenser of the class described, a movable feed member having a series of spaced feed surfaces to which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to movement of said feed wheel, a cutter wheel having at least one cutter blade, means whereby said cutter wheel is rotated as said feed member is moved to feed said tape, the rotation of said cutter wheel effecting the movement of said blade against said feed surfaces, each of said feed surfaces having a portion for successive cutting coaction with said cutter blade, whereby said blade cuts said tape into a series of short sections, and means for automatically kinking a portion of each of saidtape sections whereby to facilitate its manual removal from said feed surfaces, said kinked portion being so formed that when grasped manually it forms at the end of the tape section a non-adhering end.

16. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to each of which is adapted to adhere an adhesive tape for feeding by rotation of said wheel, a cutter for cutting the tape fed by said surfaces, and means for moving said cutter to cut said tape as said feed wheel is rotated to feed said tape. V

17. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to each of which is adapted to adhere an adhesive tape for feeding .by rotation of said wheel, a cutter for cutting the tape fed by said surfaces, and a depression in each of said tape feed surfaces into which said cutter moves to cut said tape.

18. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed wheel having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to each of which is adapted to adhere an adhesive tape for feeding by rotation of said wheel, a. cutter for cutting the tape fed by said surfaces, and a slot in each of said tape feed surfaces into which said cutter moves to cut said tape, the said spaced surfaces each being of such width that said tape will adhere thereto Without yielding to the pressure exerted by said cutter against the tape as said cutter contacts the tape overlying each slot prior to cutting said tape by entrance into said slot.

19. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed member having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to which is applied a length of pressure adhesive tape and with said tape adhering to said surfaces to be fed forward by movement of said member, a slot in each of said tape feed surfaces, a cutter, and means for moving saidcutter successively into said slots as said feed member is moved whereby to sever the tape adhering to said spaced feed surfaces to form a series of short tape sections. c

20. In -a dispenser of the class described, a feed member having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to which is applied a length of pressure adhesive tape and with said tape adhering to said surfaces to be/fed forward by movement of said member, a slot in each of said tape feed surfaces, a cutter, and means for moving said cutter successively into said slots as said feed member is moved whereby to sever the tape adhering to said spaced feed surfaces to form a series of short tape sections, the said spaced feed surfaces each being of such Width that said tape will adhere thereto after severance.

21. In a dispenser of the class described, a feed member having a series of spaced tape feed surfaces to which is applied a length of pressure adhesive tape and with said tape adhering to said surfaces to be fed forward by movement of said member, a slot in each of said tape feed surfaces, a cutter, and means for moving said cutter successively into said slots as said feed member is moved whereby to sever the tape adhering to said spaced feed surfaces to form a series of short tape sections, the said spaced feed surfaces each being of such width that said tape will adhere thereto without yielding to the pressure exerted by said cutter against the tape as said cutter contacts the tape overlying each slot prior to cutting said tape by entrance into said slot.

22. In a dispenser of the class described, a movable cutter having a cutting blade, a spring pressing said cutter into a normal non-cutting position, a movable feed member having a surface against which said cutter is movable, a cam onl said feed member and a cam on said movable cutter, the feed member cam contacting said cutter cam as said feed member moves in a predetermined direction whereby to move said cut` ter to bring its blade toward said surface, the continuous movement of said feed member and its ca m in said direction releasing said cutter for rotation by its spring back to its normal position.

23. In a dispenser of the class described, a movable continuous feed member having a series of spaced feed surfaces to each of which is applied a continuous length of pressure adhesive tape through successive contact of said surfaces with said continuous length of tape incidental to movement of said feed member, a cutter having a cutter blade, a spring maintaining said cutter in a predetermined position with its blade out of the path of said feed surfaces, a series of cutter actuators on said feed member. there being one of said actuators for each feed surface, each of f said actuators effecting the movement of said cutter whereby to bring the cutting blade against each of said feed surfaces whereby to sever the tape adhering to said feed surfaces, the continued movement of said feed member releasing the said cutter from said actuators after each severing operation for return 

